SPRINGFIELD -- A city church planning to serve as a sanctuary to individuals facing deportation does not currently meet the state's building code to serve as a temporary shelter, according to a letter from the city's building commissioner.

The letter, released Friday by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, outlines what steps South Congregational Church would need to take to meet code requirements for sheltering individuals facing deportation.

Winning approval of a special permit granted by the Springfield City Council is among the required steps, according to the letter from Building Commissioner Steve Desilets to Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer.

The mayor "remains steadfast" against the use of the church to shelter people living in the country illegally, a press release from Sarno's office states.

A group of faith leaders announced the sanctuary plan earlier this month.

"At South Congregational United Church of Christ, the strangers in need among us will be welcome to take shelter and receive, to the best of our ability, the hospitality of this community of faith," Gerstenlauer said during the announcement.